Aircraft galley water distribution manifold

ABSTRACT

A modular potable water distribution manifold for an aircraft water supply and drainage system includes a tubular element with a first manifold quick connector adapted to mate with a flexible hose connector and having a flow control poppet, a second manifold quick connector having a flow control poppet, the second manifold quick connector adapted mate with a terminating self-venting/self-draining device, and a rotating ferrule that mates the second manifold with the self-venting/self-draining device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Application No. 61/709,834,filed Oct. 4, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

On commercial aircraft with in-flight catering services, it is commonfor one or more of the galleys installed on the aircraft to be “wet,”i.e. to have a water supply (potable water), water drainage (wastewater), and on occasion water used in a waste disposal unit (foulwater—post use). The potable water is supplied under pressure to thegalley, while gravity, which can be assisted by a vacuum, is used inwater drainage and waste disposal. The potable water is used fordrinking water, beverage making and cooking (e.g., steam ovens, riceboilers, etc.), and therefore has to meet safety criteria that make itfit for human consumption. That is, potable water must meet certainminimum health and safety standards, and then it is generally filteredto improve taste, smell and to remove bacteria in accordance withairline policy. The aircraft galley plumbing system encompasses allaspects of water usage on a galley, its associated hardware, componentsand galley equipment which either consume or facilitate water handling.

All galley plumbing systems must pass design and regulatory requirementsspecified by the aircraft manufacturers and must undergo testing toensure that the potable, waste and foul water systems are fullyfunctional and remain separated to ensuring no cross contamination.Also, when the aircraft shuts down on completion of a flight, or forlonger periods of storage or maintenance, all of the plumbing systemsmust be capable of draining completely within a specified time. Anyresidual water that could potentially become contaminated must be purgedfrom the aircraft galley plumbing system. Therefore, the system allowsair contained within the plumbing system pipes, hoses, and components tobe displaced by water during the filling cycle (with the air ventedout), and air replaces the water during the drainage/purge cycle (airvented in) allowing rapid water displacement.

At the resumption of service, the potable water supply circuit must becapable of being filled automatically without manual assistance, and allsections that may potentially trap air must be capable of self-venting.An important consideration to this goal is that the pressure variesdepending on the aircraft and design.

From a safety standpoint, the plumbing system must also prevent hotwater backflow to the faucets from the galley inserts (GAINs). Moreover,hydraulic pressure reduction is desirable to improve flow and increasewater consumption capacity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an aircraft galley plumbing system thatprovides distribution for the aircraft potable water within a reduced“wet” galley envelope. A modular tubular manifold is disclosed withsecondary connectors that distribute potable water supplied from thewater filter/manifold block to the water consuming GAINs and galleywater faucet.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, whichillustrate, by way of example, the operation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for an aircraft plumbing system;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the water distributionmanifold;

FIG. 3 a is a cross section of the quick disconnect in the closedconfiguration;

FIG. 3 b is a cross section of the quick disconnect in the openconfiguration;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the self-venting, self-draining manifoldand quick disconnect;

FIG. 5 a is a cross section of the quick disconnect and flexi hoseconnector coupling with the flow exiting the quick disconnect to theleft; and

FIG. 5 b is a cross section of the quick disconnect and flexi hoseconnector coupling with the flow exiting the quick disconnect to theright.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The plumbing system as shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagramfor a compact integrated plumbing system designed for use in a reducedfoot print refrigerated/wet galley. Water is provided via a bottom fedpotable water delivery system where the water supply originates from thebottom of the monument, although similar systems include water fed fromabove. The invention works well with either system, as well as otherplumbing systems. Potable water (indicated by arrow 10) enters theplumbing system via a “T” valve 12 incorporating a remotely operatedemergency supply shut off valve. The main feed 14 supplies the waterdistribution/filter block 16 through a two way or three way valve 17,where it is filtered using a selected filtration method such as, forexample, a spin on type water purification cartridges that incorporateself-venting units 18. Preferably two or more filters 18 are used toreduce back pressure in the system and to allow airlines to selectdifferent levels of filtration, a GAINS supply line water filter 18 a,and a faucet supply line water filter 18 b. One line 20 connected to thefilter 18 a supplies the galley insert equipment (GAINS) via the GAINwater distribution manifold 28 to coffee makers, chillers, steam ovens,etc. The other line 22 from the filter 18 b supplies the fresh waterfaucet 24. The distribution/filter block 16 includes a remote emergencypotable water shut off valve 21 and a backflow prevention valve manualoverride 23 controlled by a cable 27.

The second branch of the Tee valve 12 supplies pressurized water to thecompact pressure check valve 26 at a pre-defined pressure. This checkvalve 26 closes the valve 12, preventing drain down from the GAIN waterdistribution manifold 28. The distribution manifold 28 supplies potablewater via quick disconnect fittings 30. The GAINS are connected to themanifold 28 by flexible hoses 32. The manifold 28 also preferablyincorporates self-venting devices 34 to aid the (potable water) fillingprocess, as does the faucet 24. Water from the faucet 24, from GAIN driptrays 36 via condensate drainage catch pots 38, and any condensate fromgalley air chiller units, is disposed of via drain line 52 to waste line44 via Tee piece 42. Drainage of waste water entering the sink isaccomplished via a Tee piece 42 in the waste water drain line 44 andthrough a compact, backflow prevention device or air stop valve 46,which operates under a partial vacuum. A manual over ride is remotelyconnected to the distribution filter block 16. Both the potable drainline 52 and waste water line 44 drain down into the aircraft waste watertank via line 48.

In the foregoing plumbing system, all of the waste water drains downwardto the aircraft waste water tank (not shown). Filtered water isdistributed from the filter 18 a to the GAINS manifold 28 and then tothe GAINS via flex hose connections 32. The system is self-ventingthrough various self-venting devices 34, the water filters 18 and faucet24. All standing water can be quickly vented to prevent contamination ofthe system and comply with regulation for potable water systems.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the distribution manifold 28 of FIG. 1.The manifold 28 of the present invention includes a rigid tubularsection that can be mechanically linked to similar tubular sectionsusing a threaded coupling to provide a variable sized water distributionmanifold. The female end of each section may be provided with a bellchamber 102 having two or more ports 104 that can either be fitted witha manifold quick connector 106, or if not to be used, a blanking orsealing cap 108. The manifold quick connector (MQC) 106 is designed tomate with a flexible hose connector (FHC) 110, which may include aflange mating or a welded mating, or the quick connector 106 canalternatively incorporate a terminating self-venting/self-draining(SV/SD) device 112. FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate a cross sectionsthrough the MQC 106 in the closed and open configurations, respectively.When there is no coupling with the MQC 106, the poppet 114 bears againstthe opening of the MQC 106, preventing flow through the device. However,when the MQC 106 is connected to a fitting, the poppet 114 is extendedas shown in FIG. 3 b, allowing flow to pass around the poppet andthrough the fitting. In this way, an automatic flow control device isformed based on the presence of the MQC 106.

The SV/SD manifold 112 shown in FIG. 4 includes an air vent cap 120, airvent holes 122, venting poppet 124 with poppet float 126, an O-ring seal128, and a service cap 130. The manifold also includes a rotatingferrule 132 that mates with a MQC 106, where the angled ferrule 132 maybe alternatively replaced with a straight ferrule. The rotating ferrule132 allows the SV/SD manifold 112 to be attached to or removed from aMQC 106 without the need to dismantle the complete system. To aid in theconnection and disconnection, the MQC 106 may be equipped with thumbgrips 134 that make gripping and rotating easier. Water is preventedfrom leaking from the device by twin O rings 136. To open theself-sealing poppet 114 of the MQC 106, a fixed pin 138 is provided. Toaid manufacturing assembly, the floating section is formed in twohalves, and accessed through the service cap 132.

On filling the aircraft galley plumbing system with potable water, airhas to be expelled to prevent airlocks and ensure consistent water flow.To achieve this, the venting poppet 124 is free to move and/or heldagainst its sealing O-ring 128. Water entering the galley plumbingsystem displaces the air that escapes past the poppet head while it isun-seated from the O-ring 128. Once the potable water reaches the device112, the water back pressure closes the poppet 124 via the poppet float126, which is made of a suitable buoyant material such as cork or airfloat. At the end of a flight, the water pressure in the galley plumbingsystem falls when the aircraft water supply is turned off, opening thepoppet 124 and leading to rapid drain down of the system. To ensure nowater remains trapped, the SV/SD manifold 112 is fitted with an air cap120 to allow air to enter the plumbing system while excluding potentialcontamination.

In the operation of the manifold quick connector 106 and flexi hoseconnector 110, shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, the primary connection ofboth fittings is made using a screw thread 140. Both the connectors 106,110 are designed to be self-sealing to prevent excessive water lossfollowing the removal of a flexi hose 32, with the poppet valves havingan interdependent opening/closure feature that operates automaticallyduring connection or disconnection. The connector poppets 142 aredesigned to reduce flow restriction and are therefore shaped to favorthe primary water flow direction, i.e. flow from the hose 32 to themanifold 106 or from the manifold 106 to the hose 32 as the case may be.

There are two variations of the MQC 106 coupled to a FHC 110 of FIG. 5a,b. In both cases, the poppet valves are open, and the poppet valvesare designed to act on each other when the connectors 106, 110 arescrewed together to allow water to flow through the assembly. In thefirst case, of the FHC 110 includes the ferrule 150 for crimping to theflexi hose 32. The ferrule 150 can be rotated to allow connection to theMQC 106, and the ferrule 150 is sealed to the flexi hose 32 connectorbody 152 by two “O” ring seals 154. The poppet 142 is normally closed bythe spring 160, sealing against the “O” ring seal 162 such that waterrestriction is reduced through the bell chamber 164 into which thepoppet opens. A threaded connection 140 joins the FHC 110 and the MQC106, including a primary sealing washer 168 that provides the mainwaterproof joint between the connectors. The self-closing poppet 114 ofthe MQC 106 opens into a manifold bell chamber and is controlled by thespring 172 to bias the poppet 114 closed. A manifold coupling seal 119is disposed on the poppet 114 to prevent leakage between the couplingbody 106. As shown in FIG. 5 b, the shape or the direction of thepoppets 142 a, 114 a may change depending upon the primary direction ofthe water flow, as indicated by arrows 200, with the poppet 142 acarrying the seal 143 on its forward or rear face while the MQC poppet114 a seals against an “O” ring 115. Apart from improving the water flowand reducing restriction, the seals 115, 143 of both couplings arelocated in such a way as to reduce flow erosion to their exposed surfaceby placing them out of direct contact with the water flow. In order torationalize part count, the shaft lengths and heads of the poppets areinterchangeable.

The present invention provides an expandable modular water distributionmanifold system that dramatically reduces part count and complexitywhile increasing flexibility. The rigid, non metallic manifold pipe workand non metallic connectors are well suited for aircraft galleys as theyreduce weight. Further, the self-sealing manifold and mutually actuatingpoppet valves eliminate leakage while promoting drainage of the system.In particular, the directionally optimized poppet head facilitate waterflow in the primary water flow direction. Water pressure is reducedthrough the use of bell chambers in the connections, and ease ofconnection is enhanced by the use of flexi hoses that can be removed,attached, repositioned etc. without disturbing the manifold. Moreover,separate rigid manifold sections can be joined by flexible hoses ifrequired. Adaptability is increased by the use of two flexi hoseconnection points that are available at each manifold joint location.Also, self venting and self draining devices can be attached to themodular manifold end points.

The plumbing system of the present invention can accommodate differingGAIN supply requirements and use a common system regardless of the sizeof galley. The self sealing manifold valves and flexi hoses allow GAINSto be removed without depressurizing the system, and unused connectionscan be sealed with a simple sealing cap. The size of the system can bevaried by adding/removing sections, and water consuming GAINS can beadded or removed with no major modifications to the system. The selfventing/draining device(s) incorporated into the system allow automaticfilling and drain down of the integrated compact galley plumbing system.The system can accommodate connectors that are either serviceable(bolted flange) or sealed (welded). The invention is suited for alltypes of narrow or wide bodied commercial aircraft monuments both fornew and existing airplane types or variants.

The present invention has been described in a general manner, but theforegoing description and included drawings are not intended to belimiting in any manner. One of ordinary skill in the art would envisionmany modifications and substitutions to the embodiments describedherein, and the invention is intended to incorporate all suchmodifications and substitutions. Therefore, the scope of the inventionis properly evaluated by the words of the claims appended hereto, andnot strictly to any described embodiment or embodiment depicted in thedrawings.

I claim:
 1. A modular potable water distribution manifold for an aircraft water supply and drainage system, comprising: a tubular section of adjustable length comprised of discrete threaded sections; a first manifold quick connector adapted to mate with a flexible hose connector and having a flow control poppet; a second manifold quick connector having a flow control poppet, the second manifold quick connector adapted mate with a terminating self-venting/self-draining device, the self-venting/self-draining device including an air vent cap, air vent holes, a venting poppet with poppet float, an O-ring seal, and a service cap; and a rotating ferrule that mates the second manifold quick connector with the self-venting/self-draining device; wherein the first and second manifold quick connector flow control poppets are shaped to favor the primary water flow direction.
 2. The modular potable water distribution manifold of claim 1, wherein an end of each tubular section includes a bell chamber.
 3. The modular potable water distribution manifold of claim 1, wherein when the first or second manifold quick connector is connected to a fitting, its poppet extends to allow water to pass around the poppet and through the fitting.
 4. The modular potable water distribution manifold of claim 1, wherein the rotating ferrule is angled.
 5. The modular potable water distribution manifold of claim 1, wherein the venting poppet freely moves away from the O-ring, and wherein when water enters the manifold, air escapes past the venting poppet while it is un-seated from the O-ring. 